Chapter 60: First Move and Counter Move

“Great Immortal, a Hanlin scholar requests an audience. He claims to have found records from an ancient talent in a book,” a Eunuch Official respectfully reported to Chen Xiyi.

Chen Xiyi, who was reading a medical book, looked up. “Let him in.”

Though his tone sounded calm, he felt a flicker of joy inside. Finally, there was some news. It had been almost a month since he stopped fishing and started reading in Wende Hall. During this month, nobody had disturbed him, largely because of the image he had built.

The Eunuch Official acknowledged and ushered the Hanlin scholar in.

The scholar appeared to be around twenty-five or twenty-six. He seemed scholarly and frail, not like one of those academics who traveled long distances to take imperial exams, but more like a local of the Capital.

Especially his demeanor—it wasn’t something an ordinary family could cultivate. At the very least, he had to come from a wealthy household, perhaps even a high-ranking official’s family.

“Greetings, Great Immortal,” the Hanlin scholar said with a straight posture, exuding an air of arrogance. He casually cupped his hands in a salute, seemingly unconcerned about Chen Xiyi.

[Dong Shen, Civil Official, Health Points: 99%, Status: Cautious]

[Ability 1: Prose and Poetry]

[Ability 2: Expert Copying]

[Experiences]

[September: Came to question the Great Immortal for reading miscellaneous books while ignoring sage texts, lacking judgment]

[September: Worked as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy; heard the Great Immortal dislikes sage texts and felt indignant and scornful]

[August: Compiled essays in the Hanlin Academy, aiming to make a name for himself]

[August: …]

Looking at Dong Shen, Chen Xiyi thought to himself, “This guy is nuts. So he’s here to pick a fight, not actually share any useful findings.”

Earlier, he thought the man was just arrogant—now it seemed Dong Shen was trying to trap him.

But the problem was, Chen Xiyi hadn’t offended him. With all the posturing and scheming, trying to get close—maybe Dong Shen just wanted to step on him to rise higher, especially considering that earlier “aiming to make a name for himself” notation.

What’s the fastest way to make a name for yourself?

Of course, stepping on someone famous. No wonder his status was “Cautious”—he was preparing to take a risky bet.

“Speak, what is it?” Now that Chen Xiyi knew the other’s intentions, he wouldn’t give him any pleasantries.

Dong Shen noticed nothing—Chen Xiyi’s tone was normal, and his face was completely hidden by a helmet, so no expression could be seen.

“I heard the Great Immortal was searching for ancient classics. While compiling in the Hanlin Academy, I happened upon this book and came specifically to present it to you,” Dong Shen said, neither humble nor pushy.

But to the attending Eunuch Officials, his words came off as rude. It wasn’t about flattery, but at least he should show proper respect. Even high-ranking court officials weren’t this arrogant.

“Offering a gift? Is that allowed?” Chen Xiyi turned and asked a nearby Eunuch Official.

The Eunuch Official hesitated, then replied truthfully, “It’s not allowed. To present something, one must first report through the Hanlin Academy, then via…”

After the Eunuch Official finished, Chen Xiyi said, “Hear that? That’s the procedure. You bypassed your superiors—are you seeking wealth or rank?”

“But since you came, I’ll waive the formalities this time. I’ll report to His Majesty; there will be rewards for you. Still, it would be best to inform your superiors in various departments.”

Chen Xiyi’s words made Dong Shen’s face change—he felt a sinking feeling inside. The other had seized control.

If his sarcastic plan had worked, whatever Chen Xiyi said wouldn’t have mattered. But now, before he even spoke, he’d been labeled as greedy for wealth and rank, and told he still needed to report to his superiors. Not only had he failed in his questioning attempt to make a name for himself, but his future prospects were now in jeopardy.

“I… I…” Dong Shen didn’t know what to do. If he presented that book meant to mock Chen Xiyi for ignoring sage texts and focusing on trivial matters, not only would it not work as intended, but it would backfire.

Chen Xiyi said nothing more and instead smiled slightly, returning to his book.

Dealing with this type—after countering him, no need to press further. Just leave him hanging, let him feel the shame himself.

Dong Shen was stuck—couldn’t advance or retreat, his face flushing red.

The nearby Eunuch Officials didn’t dare intercede or say anything either; they likewise ignored him.

After all, his earlier behavior had annoyed them too.

“Today, this official was impudent. I shall return and follow the proper procedure. Farewell.” After several minutes of stalemate, Dong Shen abruptly spoke calmly, then turned and left. He knew he had lost and could only cut his losses and flee.

[Civil Official Dong Shen was extremely dissatisfied with your actions, thus feeling hatred. Hostility Level +1, Hostility Level: 1 Star]

“…”

Hearing this, Chen Xiyi thought, “Seriously? You started it, and you still have the nerve to be dissatisfied and hate me?”

He watched as the other’s name turned red on his display, and the dot representing Dong Shen on the map changed from white to red.

Chen Xiyi could only marvel at how self-centered some people could be.

“Hah, with that kind of temperament, what achievements can he hope for in the future?” Chen Xiyi remarked, watching the departing figure.

Dong Shen quickened his steps as he left, pretending not to hear.

But thinking of the other’s influence, he felt some regret.

Not regret for provoking Chen Xiyi, but regret for not preparing well enough and letting the other seize the first move.

So, for now, he could only endure.

“Young man, you should keep your feet on the ground, not take shortcuts by flattering superiors while pretending to have integrity and arrogance to get ahead. That’s a dead end.”

Chen Xiyi, of course, wasn’t about to let up—since the other wanted to step on him to rise, he wouldn’t let him off easily.

Dong Shen, not yet gone, heard this and felt even more troubled. If these words spread, his official career would surely be over.

As for whether they would spread?

How could they not? With so many Eunuch Officials present, even one leaked whisper would spread throughout the entire Capital.

Especially now, since this Immortal Fuyao was a key figure of attention in the Capital—many would surely inquire about this incident.

‘Since things have come to this, I can only leave the Capital first and plan later.’

Walking out of Wende Hall, a glint flashed in Dong Shen’s eyes. Though he didn’t know why he failed, plans were just plans—they couldn’t keep up with changes.

‘A gentleman’s revenge can wait ten years. I’ll settle this another day.’

He never regretted what he did—only that he lost and the other won.

As for whether it was wrong?

What’s wrong with climbing the ranks? If he had succeeded this time, he would have caught the attention of civil and military officials, the Noble Houses, even the Emperor himself—it would have been a meteoric rise.